Survivor of childhood abuse highlights lifelong impact as former tutor jailed
Victim urges men to seek help for past abuse
A brave survivor of childhood sexual abuse has spoken out about the enduring effects of his experience, following the sentencing of his former tutor, Deborah Franklin, to seven years in prison for her offences.
Franklin, 65, was convicted at St Albans Crown Court of sexually abusing the victim between 1991 and 1995 while working as a teacher and home tutor in Hertfordshire.
The victim, who retains lifelong anonymity, said: “I have carried the abuse with me throughout my life. It has been a constant shadow. Sometimes in the foreground and sometimes in the background, but always present. My life has been shaped by what happened to me when I was a boy."
He emphasised the need for greater awareness that women can be perpetrators of sexual abuse, and stressed that the impact of abuse on boys should not be minimised.
"Abuse of boys should never be dismissed, minimised or treated as less serious than abuse of girls. The emotional and psychological consequences can be equally serious and long-lasting," he said.
He also encouraged other men with similar experiences to seek help, stating, “It is never too late to speak about it or to ask for help."
Although Franklin claimed innocence throughout her trial, the victim's account played a crucial role in proceedings. Detective Constable Liz McGrath, who led the investigation, praised the victim's bravery in reporting the historic abuse, noting the challenges posed by such cases.
Franklin will serve two-thirds of her sentence before being released on licence and will be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years.
Victims are urged to report sexual abuse regardless of when it occurred, and support is available through the Herts Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Hertfordshire.